As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we couldn’t help but recognize one more female leader that is a true, inspirational force at Sonesta, Cindy Murphy, Vice President of Focus Service Operations.

Cindy Murphy is a seasoned hospitality veteran and passionate leader with more than three decades of multi-faceted hospitality experience. She has an extensive operations acumen and proven track record of profit maximization. Having spent her entire career in hospitality, she has held numerous leadership roles with Marriott International, IHG, and Hilton Hotels, and has led teams across all aspects of hotel operations, including revenue management, asset management, sales & marketing, business development, field support, and brand management.

In less than 12 months, Cindy has made a positive impact on Sonesta’s fast-growing focus service portfolio of hotels and is recognized among her peers as a smart, compassionate, and determined leader. So, we went right to the source and asked her to share her insights and advice for future leaders.

 

 

How do you empower others as a leader?

For any given assignment, I provide the details and the framework, and allow my team to complete the work independently. I’ll provide support and encouragement based on the individual, but when people feel they have the authority and resources to make things happen, confidence is boosted and results improve.

 

What inspires you about the future of hospitality today?

As I travel to our hotels, I’m touched by the genuine gestures of kindness and caring I see, especially by the younger generation entering the hotel industry.  The emotional connections made, the smiles, and the authentic goodness exhibited gives me great hope for the future of our industry.

 

What is one piece of advice you received in your career that has shaped who you are today?

I have 2 pieces of advice that have stayed with me throughout my career:

  1. Control what you can control and don’t sweat the stuff you can’t.
  2. Every human being you touch with kindness will touch someone else with more.

 

Do you have any advice for other female leaders or women in business today?

Plan, perform, persist, and push forward even in the face of adversity.

 

Thank you Cindy for all that you do. Today, we celebrate you.